Hotline Numbers

Depression is Real

Very good online article about depression

The Depressed Child

Teen Suicide

Bipolar Disorder in Teens

Once upon a time the world was silent about the topic of depression and suicide. If the topic was discussed at all, there was certainly never any discussion about depression and suicide within childhood.

Those times have changed. We now understand that depression is a health issue. We now understand that depression needs to be treated like all other health issues. One step toward treating depression is to educate teachers, parents and children about the illness of depression and help those that are depressed find the medical treatment they need.

One of the main things we have learned about depression in children is that, if treated, it is HIGHLY TREATABLE. Unfortunately, depression if left untreated can lead to all kinds of problems like poor school performance, at risk behaviors, drug/alcohol dependency and in rare cases even death.

Many students who are depressed are unaware that the feelings and symptoms they have are actually warning signs of depression. Statistically we have also learned that most parents of students who are depressed, are unaware that their child is depressed. There are a number of valid reasons why parents have trouble identifying depression in their child.

We belief that one of the main reasons that parents and students cannot identify depression is a lack of experience and knowledge they have about depression. That is why Southern Regional has launched a proactive/educational program in the 9th grade health classes called SOS: Signs of Suicide.

If you have any questions about depression, any concerns about yourself or a friend please be sure to reach out to your counselor.